Slender Mongoose

Name

Slender Mongoose [Galerella sanguinea], also known as the Black-tipped Mongoose or the Black-tailed Mongoose.

Appearance

Slender Mongoose females attain a mass of 575 gr. and are smaller than males at 715 gr. Colour varies from light brown to dark red-brown depending on the area within its distribution range. Their under parts are lighter in colour. The long tails are distinctively black-tipped, which is characteristic of this species. In colder regions they can be melanistic.

Diet

The Slender Mongoose feeds primarily on small rodents, reptiles and at times also on birds - and is also known to take invertebrates.

Breeding

A year-round breeder, but births occur more often in the rainy season. They have a gestation period of eight to nine weeks and deliver one or two litters per year, each consisting of between one and three young.

Behaviour

Solitary, but a collective territory may be defended by coalitions of up to four males. This territory may encompass the ranges of several females. Related and unrelated males are included in these coalitions. Territories are not shared by adult females. Both the male and female offspring disperse to find their own space.

Habitat

The Slender Mongoose Inhabits open woodland savannah, within which they favour more heavily wooded areas. Dens are established in disused termitaria, rock crevices and hollow trees. Koppies are also frequented.

Where they are found

The Slender Mongoose is found in the central and north-eastern regions of South Africa and through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and up into East and West Africa.